Consultation with GOSL, LTTE to continue - Norway

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 11 May 2004, 14:32 GMT]“The Government of Norway will continue to consult with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the coming weeks as some issues need to be discussed further before negotiations can start,” said the Norwegian Embassy in Sri Lanka in a press release issued Tuesday evening.

The full text of the press release follows:

"Norwegian Foreign Minister Mr.Jan Petersen with Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Vidar Helgessen and Norwegian ambassador in Sri Lanka Mr. Hans Brattskar met with the President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge on May 10th and with the LTTE leadership on May 11th to discuss the possibilities of bringing the peace process forward.

“ 'We have had constructive and positive meetings with both parties. There is a clear commitment from the GOSL and LTTE to resume direct negotiations,' said Foreign Minister Mr. Petersen.

"Some issues need to be discussed further before negotiations can start. Norway will continue to consult with the GOSL and LTTE in the coming weeks.

"Both parties, GOSL and LTTE reaffirmed their request to Norway to act as a facilitator of the peace process."